Another loss!

Remember when a 1-1-1 record meant that you had won as many games as you had lost? In today's NHL, 1-1-1 is actually 1-2, but because the league is giving out points like a Chinese masseuse gives out happy endings, points are awarded for overtime losses. I think it's a supremely shitty rule.

In any event, the Leafs lost to Phoenix last night, 3-2. Maybe my headline after last night's game was a little premature - the 'Yotes aren't as untalented as a retarded ballerina...maybe more like an autistic ballerina.

The game was Vesa Toskala's first action as a Maple Leaf. He looked very average, although 2 of his 3 goals allowed were powerplay goals. Andrew Raycroft looked better the night before, his propensity for going down notwithstanding. I'm definitely not ready to jump ship on Toskala - I really believe he is the undisputed #1 goalie on the team - but there is no question he'll need to play better to instill some confidence in the coach and the fans.

Last night was also the first time Leaf fans were introduced to Anton Stralman. I've heard the comparisons to Nicklas Lidstrom and Borje Salming, but last night Stralman did not stand out. Really, it would be ridiculous to expect that a 21 year old defenseman would stand out, especially in his first taste of North American hockey. Toronto media has been entertaining the idea that Stralman might make the Leaf team this year (because, apparently, he is that good) but the fact is that he'd have to be the product of Nicklas Lidstrom and Borje Salming's man-love to have any shot, for a couple of reasons: [1] Defensemen mature much later than forwards, and while most forwards are ready by 21, most defensemen are not. [2] The Leafs are quite deep at the defense position, and both Andy Wozniewski and Staffan Kronwall are currently ahead of Stralman on the depth chart and also happen looking for employment on the big team.

Random Game Notes:
- The Leafs dominated in the faceoff circle, winning a whopping 62% of draws. Quite surprising considering that both of the Leafs' top centremen - Mats Sundin and Kyle Wellwood - were out of the lineup last night. Potential 4th line fill-in Kris Newbury won 7 of 8. BAM!

- Kyle Wellwood has an ambiguous 'lower-body injury' that, frankly, scares the shit out of me. After one fucking game in the pre-season, he is already hurting. The Leafs will rely heavily on Wellwood's production as the #2 centre this year, and they simply cannot afford to have him miss much time. Update: Bill Watters reported on Leafs Lunch today that Wellwood's injury is "much more severe than originally thought". Apparently Billy has a "reliable source" that tells him that Wellwood is in great, constant pain and cannot skate. He goes on to say that Wellwood will likely require surgery in the near future. Fucking fuck.